Question

Given below are two statements
Statement I: Cucumoviruses are aphid borne stylet borne virus
Statement II: Gemini viruses are circulative type
In the light of above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. Both Statement I and Statement II are correct
• B. Both Statement I and Statement II are incorrect
• C. Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect
• D. Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct

Hint:

Cucumoviruses are non-persistent, stylet-borne viruses transmitted by aphids (Statement I is true). Geminiviruses are persistent, circulative viruses transmitted by whiteflies (Statement II is true).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
To evaluate these statements, we must integrate our understanding of the taxonomic classification of plant viruses and their specific transmission pathways through insect vectors.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze each statement individually:
1. Statement I describes Cucumoviruses.
Cucumoviruses (such as Cucumber Mosaic Virus, CMV) are non-persistent, stylet-borne viruses.
They are transmitted primarily by aphids (such as Aphis gossypii and Myzus persicae) during brief feeding probes, where the virus particles adhere to the cuticular lining of the stylet.
Thus, Statement I is correct.
2. Statement II describes Geminiviruses.
Geminiviruses (such as Tomato Leaf Curl Virus) are transmitted in a persistent, circulative manner by their whitefly vector (Bemisia tabaci).
The virus must be ingested, cross the gut membrane into the hemolymph, and enter the salivary glands before it can be transmitted to a new plant.
Thus, Statement II is correct.
Therefore, both statements are correct.

Step 3: Final Answer
Both Statement I and Statement II are correct.